Cake for Boyfriend: How to Make His Favorite Dessert

A delicious cake for boyfriend is easier than you think. Learn how to make a personalized treat he will adore. Read more.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 people

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting: 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
For the Frosting: 1/2 cup cocoa powder
For the Frosting: 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Frosting: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Pro Tip: Don't skip the parchment! It guarantees a flawless release, preventing the heart-breaking moment of a cake sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Sifting aerates the mixture, which food science shows increases the cake's final volume by up to 12%.
Step 3: Integrate the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for exactly 2 minutes. This specific duration develops just enough gluten to hold the cake together while keeping the crumb incredibly tender.
Step 4: The Secret Boiling Water Technique
Reduce the mixer speed to the lowest setting. Carefully and slowly pour in the boiling water. The batter will look very thin and liquidy—don't panic! This high-hydration batter is the exact reason the baked cake will be incredibly moist and fudgy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with a simple chocolate ganache or his favorite buttercream.